Words. Martin Kessler

Meet the next big name in women’s hoops: Diamond DeShields. A 6-1 forward out of Georgia’s Norcross High School, DeShields is coming off a monster season in which she posted 19.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game to lead Norcross to its second consecutive state title. The 2011 Gatorade Georgia Girls Basketball Player of the Year, DeShields is currently in Chile suiting up for the Team USA at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship.

Oh, and by the way, she’s only 16 years old. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

When listing the top point guards in the 2011 class, it’s hard not to mention Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) star Quinn Cook near the top.

All Cook has done is remain consistent throughout the summer while running DC Assault, win gold with USA Basketball’s under-17 team, and cap off the AAU season with an MVP performance at adidas Nations.

“It’s been fun,” said Cook. “There were things that I felt I could’ve done better, but all in all I was OK with how I did this summer.” MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

After helping Team USA claim the gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship this past summer, Norfolk Christian High (Va.) forward James McAdoo was named the 2009 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

McAdoo, 16, is the youngest player ever to win the award.

“When they told me that I won the award I was kinda shocked,” McAdoo said. “It’s a great honor. I got a nice plaque with the team’s picture on it and a really nice crystal ball. It’s real nice! This is probably the biggest award I’ve received so far.” MORE >